Garden hybrid
Dahlia x hybridaGarden Dahlia16 other cultivars
‘Mix’Dahlia Mix
‘Dinnerplate Blend’Dinnerplate Dahlia
‘Bishop's Children’Bishop's Children Dahlia
‘Arabian Night’Arabian Night Dahlia
‘Orange’Orange Dahlia
‘Firepot’Firepot Dahlia
‘Sagitta’Dahlia Sagitta
‘Bishop of Canterbury’Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia
‘Labyrinth’Dahlia Labyrinth
‘Seattle’Seattle Dahlia
‘Bishop of Leicester’Bishop of Leicester Dahlia
‘Lisonette Dinnerplate’Lisonette Dinnerplate Dahlia
‘Red Labyrinth’Red Labyrinth Dahlia
‘Desert Sunset’Desert Sunset Dahlia
‘Bednall Beauty’Bednall Beauty Dahlia
‘Terracotta’Dahlia 'Terracotta'
The Story
Plant Bio
Dahlia x hybrida 'Café au Lait' is a tender perennial known for its large, bushy growth and soft, muted flower shades ranging from beige to blush and coffee tones, with full, daisy-like blooms.
This cultivar is celebrated for its uniquely creamy, coffee-colored flowers with a subtle, sophisticated appearance that adds elegance to floral arrangements and garden borders.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Regular, moderate watering
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial (in suitable zones)
Native To
Central America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck tubers into well-draining soil in early spring
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during growing season
- Pinch back to encourage bushier growth in early summer
- Stake tall varieties to support heavy blooms
- Lift and store tubers in fall after foliage dies back
Pro Tip
Plant tubers 4-6 inches deep in rich, well-draining soil for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Stake tall varieties for support
Don't
- Overwater to prevent rot ❌
- Forget to mulch to retain moisture
- Plant in poorly drained soil ❌
- Neglect staking for tall stems
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Café au Lait Dahlia questions
What zones can Café au Lait Dahlia grow in?
Café au Lait Dahlia is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Café au Lait Dahlia deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Café au Lait Dahlia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Café au Lait Dahlia bloom?
Café au Lait Dahlia typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Café au Lait Dahlia need full sun?
Café au Lait Dahlia does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Dahlia to compare
Dahlia
Dahlia variabilis
Dinnerplate Cutting Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata 'Dinnerplate Cutting Blend'
Hart Dahlia
Dahlia variabilis 'Hart'
Dahlia Mix
Dahlia x hybrida 'Mix'
Babette Giant Ball Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata 'Babette Giant Ball'
Lady Darlene Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata 'Lady Darlene'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Café au Lait Dahlia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.